Human Library tells stories of social change in Saskatchewan

Posted by Tracey Mitchell on February 16, 2015

Next Up Saskatchewan held the first ever Next Up Human Library public event on Monday, February 9. Over 100 people turned out on a cold Saskatoon evening to listen to 18 peoples' stories about the history of women and transgender people organizing for change in Saskatchewan. With book titles ranging from "Joy is My Guide" to "Law as a Tool for Change?" participants were able to visit six books over the course of the evening. The event focused on the stories of women, transgender and non-binary people since those stories are less often told when social change history is discussed. The books shared personal and political stories from the last four decades of social change work in Saskatchewan. Congrats to co-hosts Carolyn Doi, Lauren Russell and the rest of the NU Sask 2014-15 cohort on a very successful event!

Human Library tells stories of social change in Saskatchewan

Dozens of people filed into Station 20 West tonight in Saskatoon, eager to hear the stories of women and transgender people working for change in Saskatchewan.

Laura Brice Budd, a transgender woman who said she will not be satisfied with mere tolerance — but instead advocates full acceptance, was one of the human "books" at the event. Another storyteller was Karen Brander, who campaigned in the 1970s for free, universal 24-hour daycare.

This was a Human Library, the first such organized by Next Up Saskatchewan, a program to train young leaders working for social justice.

"We wanted to particularly tell stories that are less often told," said Tracey Mitchell, co-ordinator of Next Up Saskatchewan.

'We have a rich history — medicare, and co-ops and lots of different things that really started here'- Tracey Mitchell, Next Up Saskatchewan Co-ordinator

In all 18 human "books" held court at 17 different tables, telling their stories to as many "readers" as could fit around the table.

After about 15 minutes, a gong was sounded, and readers moved over to other tables to listen to other "books".

"This program is about inspiring young people to act," Mitchell explained. "And we think that we can really build on the history of social change work in this province. We have a rich history — medicare, and co-ops and lots of different things that really started here."